Stroke claims 11 percent Lankans

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Stroke accounts for 11 percent of deaths in Sri Lanka. It is the cause for the second highest hospital deaths in the country. It has become an economic burden, especially when people die prematurely, Health Ministry Additional Secretary Dr Palitha Maheepala said.

Dr Maheepala said a study conducted on `Prevalence of Non Communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors among adults in Sri Lanka between the ages of 18 and 65' revealed that 81 percent males and 83 percent females consume junk food or follow an unhealthy diet. This is one of the risk factors to be vulnerable to strokes, he said.

According to the same study, 25 percent of persons fall into the group of smoking while 20 percent suffer from obesity. Another 18 percent are physically inactive and 26 percent take alcohol.

Strokes prevented can be continuing primary prevention activities.

The most effective prevention method suggested by the study is to initiate screening for early detection of hypertension and diabetes. Improving coverage and quality of NCD management through strengthening primary care institutions is another area to be focused on, he said.

Consultant Neurologist Dr Padma Gunaratne said stroke is the second leading cause of deaths in people over 50 years in Sri Lanka.

There is a scarcity of therapists for stroke rehabilitation. No units or beds allocated for stroke patients in state hospitals, she said.